12

Twelve magical, ever changing years. Twelve years developing into the unique and wonderful individual that she is. Twelve years to believe in herself and know that marching to her own drummer is the best thing.

Emily turned twelve today (in case you didn't guess). Above she has one of her favourite birthday presents. A bento box. Because she wants to make her own school lunches, Japanese style mind you. No boring sandwiches for her.

At twelve she knows what she likes. And she likes Thai food as well as Japanese, hence the lunch that was requested today. We took her best friend with us too.

As a bonus, there was a lady doing henna tattoos at the bank in aid of raising money for the local hospice. Actually, they all got tattoos.

Today we celebrate the youngest member of this household. I've still got a bbq ribs meal to do for dinner. And chocolate brownies with whipped cream and strawberries which was requested instead of a traditional cake. Today the birthday girl gets what she wants and if she wants brownies she is getting brownies.

Today is an especially good day. I couldn't be a prouder mother than I am with the two girls I am blessed with. A very happy birthday to my (not so) baby girl.

Susan